I would like to know how much would this cost me to fix at a shop? My car sounds like this in the youtube video everyone is telling me that it is the timing chain tensioner. One mechanic even told me to swap the engine that it would be cheaper which made no sense. My car still run tranny good and engine is not knocking or puffing black smoke or anything. Plz help thanks Bimmerfest.

JasonSC540ia

10-05-2012 05:49 PM

If its chain guides, then yes...it is expensive and timely. If its just the tensioner, that can be found at EAC for about $60. Takes less then 30min to replace. There was a post here a couple of days ago that showed how to do it. If its just your tensioner, you only get a little chain rattle at start, and as soon as the tensioner gets some oil pressure built up it stops....about 5sec or so. Its hard to tell from the video, but that sounds like a bad exhuast leak.:dunno:

MoezEnt

10-05-2012 07:03 PM

I remember before I use to get the rattle and now it sounds like the one in the video. 3 mechanics told me that it is the tensioner. They never mention the guides. I been looking for the post on how to do it yourself but i cant find it. This is really pissing me off. how much do u think it will cost to fix the guide? and thanks Jason for your reply

JasonSC540ia

10-06-2012 03:10 AM

The trend is right there on the middle of the page. Title is 740il tensioner replacement. Look at the second post by Bluebee. He has 2 links. One is for the chain guide job and the other for the tensioner replacement. Also, there are 3 tensioners. One between each camshaft, and the main one (the 15-30min job) that tensions the main chain from the crank to the cams. A shop is going to charge you $1K-2K for the guide job. If you are going to do it yourself you will need the special tools, and its easier with the engine out, So if you break the gasket between the upper sump lower block area(which will happen) you have access to it. Its that, or you have to drop the whole front subframe to gain access to it. I would spend the $60 and take the 15 or so mins to change the main tensioner yourself.

MoezEnt

10-06-2012 01:22 PM

Thank you alot jason very helpful. I apreciate the help been going thru hell with no wheels.